Earlier this week, we posted a list of the most promising Wii U exclusives, including an array of popular franchises making a comeback and a few new entries, such as Splatoon and Mario Maker. However, that doesn’t mean the big N will leave the 3DS out in the cold, as it’ll get its own share of exclusives you won’t want to miss.
On that note, here are 8 games that will keep 3DS and 2DS players busy for some time.
Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney
It’s not often you see a big crossover that makes a difference, but Level-5 and Capcom will work their collective magic this August with Professor Layton vs. Phoenix Wright. In this new adventure, the fabled professor will team up with the outstanding lawyer as they attempt to unravel a mystery surrounding the land of Labyrinthia. You’ll solve puzzles, deal with characters from both game universes and enjoy a terrific story. No objection from us.
Super Smash Bros. (October 3rd)
Even though the Wii U will get its own superstar version of Super Smash Bros. later this year, by no means will 3DS owners get shafted. Nintendo should produce a stellar entry in the fighting game series for the handheld, complete with solid control options, exclusive stages, online connectivity with fellow players (across both 3DS and Wii U platforms) and slick visuals and music that take full advantage of the system. Oh, and that cast of characters looks impressive, featuring a number of returning favorites and newcomers, including Mega Man and Pac-Man.
Cooking Mama 5: Bon Appetit (October)
No, Cooking Mama may not be a premium series along the lines of other popular Nintendo favorites, but it has an avid fan base that can’t get enough of preparing food alongside the delightful Mama. Cooking Mama 5 will once again return to the kitchen, as you prepare a number of splendid dishes simply by performing actions on the 3DS touchscreen.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (November 21st)
Considering how well the Pokémon X & Y titles sold last year for the 3DS and 2DS platforms, these two upcoming re-releases of older Pokémon games Ruby and Sapphire will no doubt be big hits. With a plethora of new Mega Evolutions, the ability to create secret bases and cosplay Pikachu to bond with, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will have something to offer for newcomers and hardcore players alike. Gotta catch ’em all, right?
Fossil Fighters Frontier (2015)
The Fossil Fighters will return to the handheld front sometime mid-next year, and those who love a good dinosaur fight should, ahem, dig this new adventure. In Frontier, you’ll excavate for dinosaurs while also engaging in a number of terrific battles against the tyrannical beasts. In addition, you’ll hit the road with various driving segments, exploring new areas and becoming a dino champion.
Code Name: S.T.E.A.M. (2015)
One of the more innovative 3DS titles introduced by Nintendo, Code Name S.T.E.A.M. is the latest development from Intelligent Systems, the developer behind the Mario & Luigi RPG series. In this new adventure, you’ll guide steam-powered heroes to victory by engaging in a turn-based action battle system, taking on enemies in a fully interactive 3D battlefield and unleashing devastating crossfires and counter-attacks to stay in the fight. Code Name S.T.E.A.M. also features a unique management system, where you’ll have to make the most of your resources in order to stay on top of things. Expect this to be a sleeper hit next year.
Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy Curtain Call (2014)
When the original Theatrhythm came out for 3DS in 2012, it introduced longtime role-playing fans to a wonderful new rhythm-based battle system, revolving around various music tracks from the Final Fantasy universe. The game was such a big hit that Square Enix decided to revisit it with a sequel, Curtain Call, which features even more characters, songs and additional battle stages. You’ll also be able to explore a museum, where you can check out relics from various chapters of the franchise, including Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and the film spin-off, Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children.
Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate (2015)
Finally, even though the Wii U release is up in the air, Capcom confirmed that it will bring its latest and perhaps greatest Monster Hunter game to Nintendo’s handheld sometime next year. Like Monster Hunter 3 before it, Ultimate will feature a slew of new monsters to hunt, along with various armor types, online connectivity with support for multiple players and a detailed land filled with beauty and danger.
